Why was Larry Beecham (Cool Breeze) absent from "J.J. and the Boss' Daughter"?

[EccentricGenius]

In the season five episode "Wheels," J.J.'s pals Cool Breeze (Larry Beecham), Poppo (Randolph Martin), and Head (T.K. Carter) are introduced. The four characters (J.J. included) were part of a clique called "The Awesome Foursome."

Poppo and Head returned later that season in "J.J. and the Boss' Daughter"; sadly, Cool Breeze did not appear in that episode...thus, due to Cool Breeze's absence, "The Awesome Foursome" were now known as "The Gleesome Threesome." I don't think he was even mentioned at all.

My question is this: Why was Larry Beecham, the actor who played Cool Breeze in "Wheels," unavailable to reprise the role in "J.J. and the Boss' Daughter"? I've read all sorts of rumors online over the years--it's been rumored that Beecham was battling alcohol addiction at the time; other rumors claim Beecham was addicted to drugs.

Drop me a line...I'd love to hear from you! I'm interested in learning the truth about Larry Beecham's absence from "J.J. and the Boss' Daughter"!

Enjoy your evening!

[Sonny Carson]

Originally Posted by EccentricGenius

In the season five episode "Wheels," J.J.'s pals Cool Breeze (Larry Beecham), Poppo (Randolph Martin), and Head (T.K. Carter) are introduced. The four characters (J.J. included) were part of a clique called "The Awesome Foursome."

Poppo and Head returned later that season in "J.J. and the Boss' Daughter"; sadly, Cool Breeze did not appear in that episode...thus, due to Cool Breeze's absence, "The Awesome Foursome" were now known as "The Gleesome Threesome." I don't think he was even mentioned at all.

My question is this: Why was Larry Beecham, the actor who played Cool Breeze in "Wheels," unavailable to reprise the role in "J.J. and the Boss' Daughter"? I've read all sorts of rumors online over the years--it's been rumored that Beecham was battling alcohol addiction at the time; other rumors claim Beecham was addicted to drugs.

Drop me a line...I'd love to hear from you! I'm interested in learning the truth about Larry Beecham's absence from "J.J. and the Boss' Daughter"!

Enjoy your evening!

The rumors are true Larry Beecham had a bad drug problem. He was addicted to heroin I believe.

[EccentricGenius]

Thank you, Sonny Carson.

[TVFactFan]

I'm guessing because he had a role and was involved in production for the movie, "A Piece of the Action" which was released in the theaters during season 5 of Good Times.


Willona starred in this movie too and she wasn't in the episode "JJ and the Boss Daughter" either because of her role in that movie which started productio during season 5 of Good Times

[EccentricGenius]

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

I'm guessing because he had a role and was involved in production for the movie, "A Piece of the Action" which was released in the theaters during season 5 of Good Times.


Willona starred in this movie too and she wasn't in the episode "JJ and the Boss Daughter" either because of her role in that movie which started productio during season 5 of Good Times

That's right, TVFactFan! Both Ja'Net DuBois and Larry Beecham co-starred with Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby in "A Piece Of The Action." Thanks!